‘Jaws’ at 50: How a single movie changed our perception of white sharks forever

Fifty years ago, Steven Spielberg's film 'Jaws' premiered, forever changing how we view the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, particularly white sharks. At the time of its production, Spielberg reportedly worried it might only be seen as "a big fish story."

However, 'Jaws' was anything but a small tale. It shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of its era until 'Star Wars' arrived two years later. This blend of widespread marketing, classic heroic narrative, and skillful filmmaking cemented its place as the first true modern blockbuster.

While the film was a cinematic triumph, its portrayal of the shark as an enormous, relentless monster diverged from reality. The movie's antagonist was depicted as 7.6 meters long for dramatic effect, significantly larger than the average mature great white shark, which typically ranges from 4 to 4.9 meters.

Earth's ancient oceans did host larger predators, most notably the Megalodon (Otodus megalodon), which lived millions of years ago and could reach lengths up to 24 meters. However, recent scientific findings show that, contrary to earlier assumptions, modern white sharks are not direct descendants of the Megalodon.

Scientists now understand that white sharks evolved more recently, between 4 and 6 million years ago, from an ancient mako shark ancestor named Carcharodon hastalis. This lineage is distinct from the Megalodon's line, which began much earlier with the shark Cretalamna.

The cinematic portrayal in 'Jaws' had a significant, and unfortunately, negative impact on real-world white shark populations. Following the film's success and its sequels, there was a notable increase in shark hunting, particularly targeting great whites. This added pressure to a species already facing decline from factors like overfishing and trophy hunting.

Globally, estimates suggest that between 80% and 90% of white sharks have vanished since the mid-20th century. In certain areas, like Australian waters, recent studies indicate populations might be critically low, possibly fewer than 500 individuals.

A key reason for their slow recovery is their life history. It takes a remarkably long time for white sharks to reach sexual maturity – about 26 years for males and 33 years for females. Furthermore, they produce a very small number of offspring per birth compared to many other large shark species.

Because of their slow breeding rate, rebuilding the pre-'Jaws' populations of white sharks will be a monumental task, potentially taking many decades. This is concerning for marine ecosystems, where they serve as crucial apex predators, helping to maintain balance.

Currently, white sharks are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Their future depends on mitigating threats from human activities like commercial fishing, as well as the growing impacts of climate change and ocean pollution.

Despite the challenges, white sharks are protected in several countries and support valuable eco-tourism industries. Witnessing these powerful animals in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience, and economically, they are worth significantly more alive.

Our scientific understanding of white sharks is still expanding. The full sequencing of their genome in 2019 revealed remarkable adaptations, including strong molecular pathways for wound healing and DNA repair. Interestingly, analysis of their transcriptome showed surprising similarities to humans, hinting at potential future medical research avenues.

Ultimately, 'Jaws' brought white sharks into the spotlight, albeit in a terrifying light, leading to devastating consequences for their populations. Our complex relationship with these sharks often mirrors our broader approach to nature – viewing it as something to be feared, controlled, or exploited within an economic framework.

As we continue to learn more about these extraordinary creatures, understanding both their vulnerability and vital role in ocean health, we can move beyond fear. Valuing white sharks for their ecological importance is essential for coexisting with them and preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.